POORE'S PICKS: Week Eleven

Jim Poore is back with his Weekly picks column against the spread. AFC NOrth Pittsburgh vs Baltimore in the "Game of the Week" Drop Jim a note to let him know if you agree/disagree with his picks.

I was definitely not surprised at another ho-hum week in the
NFL. More upsets, close games and last week they even threw in a tie
game, the first since 1998. And that tie, between San Francisco and St.
Louis, might really hurt the 49ers as the season wears on. They will
still win the division, but that tie could mean they have to play the
first week of the post season, as opposed to sitting out a week. Four
quarterbacks also got hurt, three of them because of a concussion..
One, Micheal Vick, may never play for the Philadelphia Eagles again. He
was not playing well, and the coaching staff and fans had enough. The
Eagles could be one of the most disappointing teams in recent memory.
The Eagles season is essentially over. Many teams, though, still have
playoff hopes. There are some big games this weekend so I won't waste
any more time.

As always, home team in CAPS.

BUFFALO 2 Miami
The Bills could have won last week, while Miami got embarrassed at
home. Neither team is anything special, but I have a feeling the
Dolphins will pull this out. I can't trust the Bills.
Dolphins 20-17

NEW ENGLAND 8 1/2 Indianapolis
The Patriots weren't great last week, and the Colts have an amazing six
wins. They also had a couple of extra days to prepare for this game.
New cornerback Aqib Talib should make his debut for the Patriots, but I
think it will take some time to get into the swing of things. Bill
Belichick usually makes life miserable for rookie quarterbacks, but
Andrew Luck is special. Luck won't pull the upset, but he will keep it
close. I'll take the Patriots.
Patriots 35-24

HOUSTON 15 Jacksonville
Let me see here. The best team in football against possibly the worst.
And the best team is at home. I think we know my winner here.
Texans 38-7

ATLANTA 9 1/2 Arizona
The Falcons finally lost but I don't think anybody expected them to go
undefeated. After a great start the Cardinals can't seem to do anything
right. The Falcons shouldn't have any problems bouncing back.
Falcons 30-13

Cincinnati 3 1/2 KANSAS CITY
The Bengals pulled out a nice win last week, while the Chiefs lost but
were game. The Chiefs have done nothing right all year, while the
Bengals have done some nice things. Winning here will very much keep
them alive for the post season.
Bengals 29-12

New Orleans 5 OAKLAND
The Saints have done a great job turning their season around, but I
think many thought they were going to. Making the playoffs is another
matter, but they are in the hunt. The Raiders aren't in the hunt for
anything except a pretty high draft pick. The Saints should win this
game even on the road.
Saints 28-21

Tampa Bay 2 CAROLINA
The Bucs are suddenly surging, but I don't know how long it will last.
The Panthers clearly have the talent but they can't seem to put it
together. Something tells me though that they will win this game. They
are at home, and many of their games have been close this year. I will
take the Panthers in the very mild upset.
Panthers 23-20

DENVER 7 San Diego
Really, I don't understand how Norv Turner is still coaching the
Chargers. May be they figure their season is already over so why
bother. The Broncos season isn't over at all, and it looks like Peyton
Manning will be the easy winner for the Comeback Player of the Year
Award. Even though this is a bitter rivalry I don't see any
problems for the Broncos.
Broncos 31-17

DALLAS 7 Cleveland
Dallas got a big win last week, but something tells me they won't be
ready for the Browns. Cleveland was off last week, and they have been
pests this year despite their record. I think the Cowboys will win but
the Brownies will keep it very close.
Cowboys 24-20

ST. LOUIS 3 1/2 New York Jets
The Rams have still been ok this year, though the postseason isn't
going to happen. The Jets are in turmoil right now, and it is
interesting to see where it could end up. I think the Jets are due to
win, but right now they can't do anything right, so I will go with the
Rams.
Rams 27-17

Green Bay 3 1/2 DETROIT
Just when it looks like the Lions are getting their act together, they
lose. The Packers could possibly be the best team in the NFC, and they
had an extra week of rest. I think the Packers will win here. The Lions
can't be trusted at all.
Packers 37-30

SAN FRANCISCO 2 Chicago
This is a big game, but quite possible could be without the two
starting quarterbacks due to injury. Jason Cambell likely gets the call
for the Bears, while Colin Kaepernick should get the nod for the 49ers.
This will be a game for the defenses, and the Bears have a better one.
The 49ers can't keep any consistency, and they didn't play well last
week. That is why I think they will win here, in a close game.
49ers 13-10

Game of the Week

Baltimore 3 PITTSBURGH
This is a huge game in the AFC North, and the winner could likely win
the division. Ben Roethlisberger's injury could really sting the
Steelers, and the Ravens have been playing well despite their injuries.
I think the Steelers not having Roethlisberger is the difference here.
I'll take the Ravens in this big game.
Ravens 20-16

Stinker of the Week

WASHINGTON 3 1/2 Philadelphia
I think any game with the Eagles can be considered a Stinker, and the
Redskins are in that category too. With Nick Foles likely starting for
the Eagles, it could be a long night for them.
Redskins 28-14

Record For Week 10: 7-7 ( 9-5 without the spread )Record Through Week 10: 60-72-3 ( 75-60 without the
spread )Game of Week Record: 5-5Stinker of Week Record: 3-7

Jim Poore has been a long time contributor to
Patriots Insider
with his weekly picks column. Let him know what you think. Email him
here:

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